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4 held in subway swarmings

Four teenagers believed to be gang members have been arrested following a series of violent rush-hour subway muggings.

By Robyn DoolittleStaff Reporter

Sat., March 8, 2008

Four teenagers believed to be gang members have been arrested following a series of violent rush-hour subway muggings.

As many as five stations spanning three police divisions were hit Wednesday afternoon.

Victims were swarmed by as many as 10 youths clad in black and red clothing – red is associated with the Bloods – on subway platforms and station stairwells. Jewellery, iPods, cash, Metropasses and a BlackBerry were among the items reported stolen.

"The suspects would wait to see someone walking by themselves, walk up behind them, elbow them into the wall – punch them if they have to – and take all their valuables," said Det. Lesley Hildred. "Some haven't been arrested and we want the public aware."

The group of about 10 youths – all around 15 years old – travelled along the Yonge and Bloor subway lines between 4 and 6 p.m.

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"They were arrested at Christie (station), on Christie St., north of Bloor right after a robbery," said Hildred.

By the time the suspects were apprehended, they had "passed off" or "ditched" the stolen items, she said.

Some of the suspects are known to police.

Hildred said police are also investigating whether the rush-hour robberies are linked to similar muggings earlier in the day, as well as several incidents earlier in the week.

So far, five victims have come forward to police in 14 Division, although officers at 13 Division and 53 are also investigating robberies that may be linked to Wednesday's arrests.

One problem for the investigators is that the attacks weren't caught on TTC security cameras, since only the collector's booth is under surveillance. This past Monday, transit officials got the green light to install 11,000 cameras throughout its stations, subways, buses and streetcars. They hope to have these up and running by 2011. In the meantime, Mike Butler, the TTC's superintendent of investigative services, says commuters should stay vigilant, especially when travelling alone.

"I really want to emphasize it's not an epidemic, but (muggings) do happen," he said. "People can't be afraid to press the yellow (assistance) strip. If they're near a TTC employee, call out for help. They should also try to hide valuables like iPods, cellphones – things that kids carry."

Typically the downtown stops are not a crime hot spot, but stations such as Lansdowne, Lawrence West, Kennedy and Warden are known problem areas.

"The way these kids work the swarmings, it's not necessarily as blatant (to others) as it sounds. A lot of the time, what they'll do is gather around a kid and intimidate them. You won't necessarily know what's going on," he said.

Anyone with any information regarding these robberies is asked to contact 14 Division's Major Crime Unit at 416-808-1404.

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